AFP, PNP forces launch joint operation to capture Usman

MANILA, Philippines — The military and the police have launched a joint operation to capture Basit Usman, who eluded arrest by Special Action Force (SAF) commandos in Mamasapano town, Maguindanao province, on Jan. 25.

Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc, chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ public affairs office, said on Monday the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (ID) and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao-Police Regional Office (ARMM-PRO) in Maguindanao have started tracking down Usman.

“We have ongoing joint operations in Maguindanao to capture Usman. We have information that he is still in the area,” Cabunoc told reporters.

Usman is the Filipino deputy of Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir, alias “Marwan,” who was killed by SAF commandos in an assault on their hideout in Pidsandawan village, Mamasapano, early on Jan. 25.

Usman’s escape was aided by an attack by guerrillas from the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). Forty-four SAF troopers, 18 MILF guerrillas and five civilians were killed in a 12-hour gun battle in Mamasapano.

AFP Chief of Staff Gregorio Pio Catapang said that despite the lack of coordination between the AFP and the Philippine National Police in the operation against Marwan and Usman, relations between the two services remain professional.

Catapang expressed hope that the word war between the sacked SAF commander, Police Director Getulio Napeñas, and the AFP would not affect the good relations and close cooperation between the two institutions.

“In the end, all will be well. We are a band of brothers. We will always work together for God, country and the good of the Filipino people,” Catapang said.